Understanding Prepositions of Time in Slovak Grammar

In Slovak grammar, prepositions of time are essential tools for expressing the relationships between different moments, durations, or timeframes. This article delves into the intricacies of Slovak prepositions of time, outlining the most common ones, their proper usage, and providing clear examples for better comprehension. When studying Slovak grammar, mastering these prepositions can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively and precisely.

Common Prepositions of Time in Slovak

The Slovak language has several prepositions of time, each serving a unique function in describing time-related concepts. Here is a non-exhaustive list of some commonly used ones:

• Pred (before)
• Po (after)
• Za (in, within)
• V (in, at)
• O (at, around)

Usage of Prepositions of Time and Examples

Let’s examine each of the prepositions above and explore their usage in sentences:

Pred (before)

The preposition pred indicates that an action or event took place before another event or a specific point in time. It is synonymous with the English word “before.” Examples:

Ján prišiel pred večerou. (John arrived before dinner.)

Skončili sme prácu pred začiatkom konferencie. (We finished work before the beginning of the conference.)

Po (after)

Po signifies that an action or event occurred after another action or a certain moment in time. It is equivalent to the English term “after.” Examples:

Pozeráme film po obede. (We watch a movie after lunch.)

Rodičia prichádzajú po deťoch. (The parents come after the children.)

Za (in, within)

Za is used to express the duration or interval of time relative to an event or action. It can be translated as “in” or “within.” Examples:

Stretneme sa za hodinu. (We will meet in an hour.)

Dokončím projekt za dva týždne. (I will complete the project within two weeks.)

V (in, at)

V is employed to depict a point in time when an event or action occurs, equivalent to “in” or “at” in English. It is used when referring to years, months, or seasons. Examples:

Navštívime Slovensko v lete. (We will visit Slovakia in the summer.)

Jeho narodeniny sú v apríli. (His birthday is in April.)

O (at, around)

The preposition o is utilized to indicate a specific time or approximate moment when something takes place, corresponding to “at” and “around” in English. Examples:

Začíname o deviatej. (We start at nine o’clock.)

Vlak prichádza o tretej. (The train arrives around three o’clock.)

Conclusion

Mastering the usage of prepositions of time in Slovak grammar is essential for effective communication and a deeper understanding of the language. As demonstrated in this article, these prepositions can help you convey precise information about when events occur and their relation to other events or timeframes. By practicing the examples provided, you’re well on your way towards becoming proficient in this crucial aspect of Slovak grammar.